UPDATE 1-Soccer-Houston reach MLS final with Eastern Conference title

November 18, 2012|Reuters

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Nov 18 (Reuters) - Houston Dynamo reached the MLS Cup, the final of Major League Soccer's playoffs, on Sunday when a 1-1 draw at D.C. United earned them a 4-2 aggregate win in the Eastern Conference championship game.

Dynamo led 3-1 from the first leg and extended their advantage with a 33rd minute goal from Honduran Oscar Boniek Garcia. D.C.'s goal came seven minutes from the end through Branko Boskovic.

Houston will play the winner of the Western Conference title game between defending champions L.A. Galaxy and Seattle Sounders later on Sunday. Galaxy lead 3-0 from the first leg.

It is the fourth time in seven years that Dynamo, under coach Dominic Kinnear, have reached the MLS Cup. They have two titles but lost out last year to the Galaxy.

"We work hard, work together and do whatever it takes, I'm proud of this group of guys and we are excited to be back," said influential midfielder Brad Davis, who missed last year's final due to injury.

D.C. needed an early goal if they were to create any kind of real stress for Houston but they struggled to develop chances against a well-marshalled Dynamo defence.

Chris Korb had a long range effort saved by Houston keeper Tally Hall but it was Dynamo who grabbed the lead with a well-worked goal 12 minutes before the interval.

Davis weaved his way to the byline and pulled the ball back for Boniek Garcia, who made no mistake from close range.

D.C. pushed forward after the break after bringing on returning Canadian playmaker Dwayne De Rosario but they lacked poise and invention until Brankovic's well taken solo effort. (Reporting By Simon Evans; Editing by Gene Cherry)